Diamond Light Source appoints new chair

by AprilSix Proof

Professor Smith was Director General for Science and Research at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) between 2008 and 2012, and is currently Vice-Chancellor of the University of London and Deputy Chair of the UK Statistics Authority. He takes over from Lord Alec Broers, who has led the facility for the past six years.

Professor Smith said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the next phase of development of Diamond, maintaining and enhancing its position as a leading-edge scientific facility and ensuring that the knowledge generated at the facility is widely disseminated in academe and industry, and fully exploited for the wider public good.”

Used by over 3000 researchers each year, the Diamond Light Source is capable of producing intense beams of light that have applications in many areas of scientific research. The facility is a joint venture between the UK Government, via the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and the Wellcome Trust.